‘Bling bling’ ski outfits attract thieves

Direct Line, one of the UK's leading travel insurers, is urging those planning on skiing or snowboarding this season to make sure they have adequate insurance to cover their expensive clothes and accessories.

1.15 million Brits hit the slopes last season and, with an average ski outfit and equipment costing around £1,200, this season winter sports enthusiasts from the UK are set to spend a staggering £1.4 billion kitting themselves out with many individual items such as designer jackets costing up to £500. For those who don’t fancy the queues for the hire shops, good ski equipment will not come cheap with skis and ski boots likely to reach anywhere between £330 up to £1040.

Most frequently claimed items during ski and winter sports holidays:

Loss of ski pass
Ski/snowboard theft
Goggles/Sunglasses
Camera theft and/or damage
Expensive ski jackets / clothes
iPods / gadgets

Direct Line’s top tips on how to avoid theft on the slopes:

Keep valuables close to you with secure pockets for cash and gadgets such as iPods or expensive accessories
Invest in a decent ski or snowboard lock as an extra precaution
Keep sunglasses or goggles safe on string around your neck
Ensure that you keep your skis and snowboards with you whilst on your lunch break or, if you are leaving them outside, swap a ski with your friend so that thieves will struggle to quickly find a complete pair of skis
Safe guard your personal belongings by taking advantage of the safety deposit box or safe provided by your hotel where possible
Make sure you have adequate insurance to cover your clothes and equipment as well as any accidents you may have on the slopes

Chris Price, spokesperson for Direct Line Travel Insurance said: “As snow sports enthusiasts hit the slopes this year, it is vital that they make sure they have appropriate insurance to cover all their ski and snowboarding gear. With the influx of new gadgets, expensive accessories, and state of the art ski and snow-board equipment, skiers and boarders need to think about the consequences of flashing their pricey designer gear to thieves. Winter sports holidays are not cheap and the last thing people want is the added cost of replacing their clothing and accessories for next season.”

To find out more, visit directline.com/travel/welcome.htm.